No one can accuse Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ray Emery of forgetting his beginnings. For his day with the Stanley Cup – the reward for being part of the 2012-13 champion Chicago Blackhawks – Emery took Lord Stanley to the place that helped launch his hockey career.
Former Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery shares Stanley Cup with minor hockey kids in hometown Cayuga, Ont., Canada. Note to Justin Bieber: No kids are touching the Cup. (Photo: Hockey Hall of Fame)
With Cup in tow, Emery went to Kenesky’s Sports, the legendary sporting goods store founded by Emil “Pops” Kenesky, regarded as the father of the modern goalie pad. According to CBC.ca, Emery began playing goal at a hockey camp run by the store. He later work for the shop and ran hockey clinics of his own.
“I lived on and off with one of the owners and really have a lot of history with the store,” Emery told CBC. “So it’s really exciting to bring the Cup back and bring it here for the first time.”
Kenesky co-owner Joel Hulsman appreciated Emery’s gesture.
“You couldn’t ask for a better prize from a better person,” Hulsman told CBC. “But this store, with its history, deserves it.”
Besides the public events in Hamilton and hometown Cayuga, Ont., Emery spent private time sharing the Stanley Cup with his family. He savored one last moment reflecting on the season past before focusing on the season ahead.
“It’s one last day to remember that accomplishment, especially to share it with family and with friends,” Emery told CBC. “Then I’m a Flyer.”